The Best RN to BSN Online Programs in 2018

As registered nurses move forward in furthering their careers in the medical field, choosing the right nursing program is an important and difficult decision. Earning a BSN degree gives them more career stability, as well as the opportunity for career advancement, and salary raises. The RN to BSN online programs and their corresponding schools listed below include a description of what makes them unique as well as credit hour requirements and tuition fees.

Here are the Best RN to BSN Online Programs

1. Kaplan University

The RN to BSN online program at Kaplan University is designed to give students new opportunities and possibilities in their career. The program will give students the skill set and credentials needed to qualify for jobs in specialized nursing and nursing management positions.

2. Walden University

At Walden University students can earn their bachelor degree in nursing in as few as 15 months. The online program uses new virtual learning techniques to give students the best possible experience. As students earn their BSN they won’t have to worry about being alone, there are a number of resources that allow them to receive valuable insight from fellow RNs. Students can start taking nursing classes from day one, and potentially transfer up to 75% of outside credits.

Total Credit Hours: 180

Tuition: $60,825

Accreditation: CCNE

3. Capella University

The online bachelor in nursing programs at Capella University allows nurses to build on what they already know. Two programs are offered in order to give students more autonomy. The first rn-bsn online program is a standard structured system students can finish in as little as 18 months. The second is a FlexPath online rn-bsn option that allows students to move at their own pace.

Total Credit Hours: 180

Tuition: $324/credit

Accreditation: CCNE

4. Grand Canyon University

Nurses looking to attain more professional nursing practice and knowledge will find what they need in the Grand Canyon University’s RN to BSN program. The classes are specially tailored to meet the needs of each student and build upon their strengths. Practicing nurses and experts in their fields serve as instructors, giving special focus on patient care.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Tuition: $56,950

Accreditation: CCNE

5. American Sentinel University

For students that are looking to be a marketable asset, the American Sentinel University’s online RN to BSN program can help.These nursing courses are 100% online and designed for working professionals with a personalized support system to make it as convenient as possible.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Tuition: $12,000

Accreditation: CCNE

6. Drexel University

Drexel stands out from other online options with its action-based learning and in-depth clinical skills development focus. This online RN to BSN program seeks to help students further their careers with the smallest possible interruption of current busy work schedules and life.

Total Credit Hours: 135

Tuition: $637/credit

Accreditation: CCNE

7. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Tech offers a flexible schedule with eight different start dates for the program that can be completed in as few as nine months. These online RN-to-BSN courses are dedicated to innovation and created with a student based curriculum. Learn to care for the wider variety of patients and become a leader in your field through Colorado Technical University.

8. Old Dominion University

Work with nursing professionals and mentors through Old Dominion University’s online RN to BSN program. At least 30 credits must be completed with ODU.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Tuition: $345/credit

Accreditation: CCNE

9. King University

At King University professional nurses can increase their earnings and further their career with an RN to BSN program. This program can be completed in less than 16 months and is offered entirely online. It follows the same structure as those offered inside the classroom with projects that may include community involvement and improvement initiatives for the workplace.

10. Liberty University Online

The Liberty University online nursing rn-bsn program has provided students with the skills to potentially receive job advancement opportunities in nursing leadership and management. This nursing course is flexible within an 8 week time period, and can easily be completed while maintaining a current job in the medical field.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Tuition: $375/credit

Accreditation: CCNE

11. University of Texas-Arlington

The online RN to BSN program offered by UT Arlington provides courses built on current experiences through research-based learning according to the student’s schedule. The program is innovatively designed to help individuals advance their Bachelor of Science in nursing degree, and help those interested in transitioning to management or director positions in health care.

Total Credit Hours: 35

Tuition: $8,995

Accreditation: CCNE

Bachelor degree in nursing

12. Western Governors University

Students can boost their salary and job security with Western Governors University’s online RN to BSN program. Before completion, the program requires a total of 90 mentor-guided clinical hours. Students have the ability to choose when and where to complete the coursework, maintaining a student-based pace. However, students should expect to spend 20 hours per week.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Tuition: $3,250

Accreditation: CCNE

13. Ohio University

Many of the courses required to receive a BSN have already been fulfilled through an associate nursing degree or diploma. In order to streamline further learning, the Ohio University program allows those credits to be transferred. This program can then be completed within 5-14 weeks.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Tuition: $243/credit

Accreditation: CCNE

14. Chamberlain College

The online RN to BSN program by Chamberlain College is offered either full or part-time to adapt to each student’s schedule. The courses use evidence-based nursing practices to provide students with the background that will make them standout in future careers. A total of 30 clinical proficiency evaluations is required.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Tuition: $333/credit

Accreditation: CCNE

15. Lamar University

Lamar University’s online RN to BSN program offers a wide variety of classes covering topics like community nursing and evidence-based practice. The courses are designed to help students fulfill state-based requirements, allowing each student to earn a BSN while continuing to work.

16. Allen College

Allen College offers exclusively BSN classes. Students are expected to take their general education classes at another institution. Before transferring, students need to have at least a 2.5 GPA to be considered. While clinical experiences can be completed in a student’s area of residence, all other courses are completely online. Classes include nursing leadership, chronic illness, nursing research, and professional writing.

Total Credit Hours: 124

Tuition: $17,262

Accreditation: CCNE

17. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida has one of the best online RN to BSN programs in the country. They offer all of their courses online, but also give students the option to take classes on campus if they wish. To enter UCF’s RN to BSN program, you must have an associate degree, professional experience in nursing, a current RN license, and a 2.8 GPA to be considered. Students are also encouraged to join student organizations like the Student Nurses Association.

Total Credit Hours: 30

Tuition: $4,478 (in-state), $19,810 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: CCNE

18. University of South Florida – Main Campus

The University of South Florida has one of the most innovative RN to BSN online programs today. The school of nursing allows its students to create a customized degree program that will help them in their specific career endeavors. Students can choose from three different specializations: clinical excellence, leadership/management, or patient/staff education. USF’s program not only helps students prepare for nursing careers, but also for graduate-level nursing programs. Applicants must reside in Florida or Pennsylvania, have a current RN license and have an associate degree in nursing with a 2.5 GPA or higher in order to be considered. The online RN to BSN program can be completed in five semesters if done part-time or in three semesters if done full-time. Service learning requirements need to be completed at the students’ place of work, but all other coursework can be completed online.

Total Credit Hours: 30

Tuition: $4,559 (in-state), $15,473 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: CCNE

19. Clemson University

Clemson University has one of the best programs in the nation and strongly emphasizes community service and hands-on learning. Clemson has four clinical hospital sites where students can get practical experience. Even though the nursing course work can be completed online, students are required to participate in monthly learning activities with classmates and professors. Transfer credits must have a “C” grade or above and transfer students need to be registered nurses to be considered, as well as provide proof of their SAT or ACT scores. Clemson University also boasts an almost 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation for its nursing school graduates.

Total Credit Hours: 125

Tuition: $12,606 (in-state), $30,622 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: CCNE

20. University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center provides its RN to BSN program through distance education, with courses available on demand, anytime, to fit your own schedule. However, some of its courses may occasionally require synchronous login, which means students will need to “attend” live, time-specific classes every once in a while. Part of the curriculum includes classes in community health nursing, healthcare outcomes, health assessment and nursing interventions. Students are required to complete at least 20 nursing credits at the Nebraska Medical Center. If this requirement is met, then students are allowed to transfer any number of credits from an accredited institution. If you have work experience as a nurse, then you can use it to count for as many as 31 credits in the program. Thanks to the university’s RN to BSN Early Admission Program, students who transfer from certain community colleges can be guaranteed early admission.

Total Credit Hours: 78

Tuition: $315/credit (in-state), $538/credit (out-of-state)

Accreditation: CCNE

21. Dixie State University

The RN-BSN program at Dixie State is intended to be flexible for student’s needs and could be completed in as little as 12 months. However, if needed the rn-bsn program may be completed on a part-time basis.

Baccalaureate degree in nursing

22. Western Governors University

Western Governors University’s online RN-to-BSN program helps fortify your previous nursing experience and education with a focus on specific areas of research, leadership, healthcare policy, community concepts and prevailing trends in healthcare.

Online rn-bsn program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Tuition per 6-month term is $3,190

CCNE-accredited RN-to-BSN program

*The Best RN to BSN Online Programs 2017 guide has recently been updated.